Canada, like its southern neighbour the United States, has a very high guns-to-people ratio. Otherwise, however, the crime and homicide rates are far lower. Institutions, including the police and judiciary are highly evolved. The population is amongst the most content in the world. Political demonstrations are frequent but well-managed and regarded as a healthy form of political expression.

Apart from the potential for opportunistic petty crime or other forms of criminality comparable to any well-developed country, the only other security issue to be aware of is terrorism, which poses a moderate risk. The country and/or political, military and commercial interests, as well as the public at large, are regarded as ideological targets by certain groups such as those affiliated with radical Islamism. There is a risk of future, potentially mass-casualty incidents, but they will remain infrequent for the most part.

Travellers should consult a medical practitioner prior to their trip but the following vaccines may be considered before travelling to the country, depending on factors such as specific destination, planned activities, intended time and length of stay as well as personal medical conditions (in some cases no additional vaccines may be required at all):

Standard vaccinations (ie those commonly used in the developed world, such as diphtheria, measles, mumps, polio, rubella, tuberculosis and tetanus)

The following advice has been compiled by travel safety specialists and ex-special forces personnel.

However, please note that it is of a general nature only and may not reflect the reality of your circumstances.

Ensure you have proper insurance cover in place.

Select good quality accommodation and properly prepare for any tasks, excursions or other activities you have to undertake.

Be mindful of local laws and cultural norms, bearing in mind that they might be different to what you are accustomed to.

Terrain

If travelling to areas with more challenging terrain types, bear in mind that you might need to take specific and specialised equipment and clothing.

Some terrain types might be more hazardous at different times of year so research any seasonal variations and work out the best time for you to visit.

You may have to alter your behaviour and consider certain types of medication, such as if you have to travel to high altitudes.

Areas with challenging terrain are often sparsely populated and/or with underdeveloped infrastructure.

Not only can this make it difficult for you to travel there, it may also make it difficult to get out if you need to, or for any assistance to arrive in the event that you encounter difficulties and need help or evacuation.

As such, have backup plans in place, methods of calling for help even if local communication networks are poor and aim to be as medically self-sufficient as possible.

Weather

If rainfall, flooding, extreme temperatures or other types of severe weather are a concern, check the local weather patterns to find out if there are times of the year where the risk is much higher.

Consider avoiding travel to at-risk destinations during these times.

Try to stay in good quality accommodation.

Take appropriate clothing and footwear.

Take appropriate protection for any sensitive equipment you wish to bring.

Note that storms, flooding and other types of harsh weather can overload infrastructure, lead to traffic jams and power cuts.

Flooding and heavy rainfall can also raise the risk of landslides, as well as insect- and water-borne diseases in some parts of the world.

As such, be prepared to delay, alter or even cancel travel plans to affected or high-risk areas.

Terrorism

Terrorism can pose a risk, even in otherwise mostly safe countries.

Assess the trends and tactics of any relevant terrorist organisations with the potential for targeting your location and identify potential targets.

Be vigilant in and around these areas, which could include crowded places, symbolic or sensitive political sites, or busy restaurant, nightlife or tourist spots.

Use your judgement on the frequency of incidents taking place. Just because an incident has taken place in a certain city does not mean that the city will regularly be hit again – use rational judgement to decide whether or not there is a likelihood that you will be caught up in any future incidents.

Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react at short notice in the event of an incident.

In the event of an incident, get out of the area quickly if it is safe to do so.

Alternatively hide and try to keep out of harm’s way.

In most cases you should only try to help other people if it is safe for you to do so.

Keep quiet and notify the relevant authorities, colleagues or loved ones only when you are out of danger.

Safe country guidelines

Even in relatively safe parts of the world, accidents, illnesses and other incidents can still affect traveller safety.

Make sure you know how to find help if you need it (such as the local emergency service numbers).

There may still be a risk of opportunistic crime so be mindful of your belongings and take responsibility for your own actions.

In order to access this tab, please upload at least three pieces of advice or safety information on locations that you know under the 'What the Starlings say' tab on any relevant country or territory. You can also purchase access via the button below.

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Unusually for Toronto at this time of year it is still baltically cold. Temerpatures were arond -15 when I left my air BB appartment this morning and with windchill more like -25. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes if you are visiting and cover you ears! frostbite’s common here.

Travellers are advised to observe the law as in their home country although note that there are strict laws on the import of certain meat, animal and dairy products while any visits to a farm within 14 days of arrival must apparently be declared.